The Double Bounce Rule: Why the Ball Must Bounce Twice

Welcome to pickleball! If you've ever watched a rally start and wondered why players are standing so far back after the serve, you’re looking at the Double Bounce Rule in action. This rule is what separates pickleball from tennis and keeps the game fun, strategic, and accessible to players of all ages.

Understanding this one simple rule is the key to mastering court positioning and winning your first few points.

1. What is the Double Bounce Rule?

The Double Bounce Rule is a mandatory condition that must be met at the start of every single point. It states that the ball must bounce two separate times before any player can hit a volley (a shot hit out of the air).

Here is the sequence:

1. The First Bounce: The Serve must land legally in the receiver's service court and must bounce once before the receiving player hits it.

2. The Second Bounce: The Return of Serve must land legally in the serving team's court and must bounce once before either serving player can hit the ball.

In simple terms: The serve must bounce, and the return must bounce. No volleys (air shots) are allowed for the first two shots of the point.

 

2. Why Does the Ball Have to Bounce Twice?

The Double Bounce Rule is not there to confuse you; it's there to protect the integrity of the Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) and promote strategic play.

• Prevents the "Banger": If the serving team were allowed to rush the net immediately and hit the return of serve out of the air (a hard volley), the game would be dominated by power. The point would likely end in a quick smash.
• Promotes Transition: By forcing both teams to play the ball off the bounce, the rule gives the receiving team time to safely hit their return and start running towards the net. It also forces the serving team to hold back momentarily, ensuring both sides have an equal chance to transition to the optimal offensive position at the Kitchen line.
• Creates Dinking: The rule keeps the game strategic and close to the net, promoting the soft, controlled play that makes pickleball so addictive.

 

3. When Can We Run to the Kitchen?

This is where beginners often get confused. Knowing when you can legally step up to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) is vital for transitioning from defense to offense.

The Receiving Team (Team A)

Once you hit the Return of Serve (the 2nd shot), your main goal is to transition forward as quickly as possible.

• Your Movement is UNRESTRICTED: Your partner will already be at the Kitchen line when you are returning serve.  You are free to run to the Kitchen line immediately after hitting the return. There is no rule stopping you from getting there. However, the object is not to rush the net unless you have hit a deep return of serve.  Otherwise, you will need to transition to the net as you can.  This is why a deep return of serve becomes a skill you will want to master.
• The Smart Strategy: Hit a deep return (forcing the opponent to stay back), and then move forward to the NVZ line. You want to be established there before the serving team even hits the 3rd shot, if possible.
• Why You Can Volley Next: Because the Two-Bounce Rule has been satisfied (the serve bounced, your return bounced), your next shot (the 4th shot of the rally) can be a volley if the opponent hits the ball to you in the air.

 

The Serving Team (Team B)

The server initiates the point, but they are the ones who must wait the longest.

• Bounce Restriction: The Serving Team must wait for the opponent's return of serve (the 2nd shot) to bounce before hitting their 3rd shot
• Movement Restriction: Since they are waiting for that bounce, the serving team must position themselves to allow the ball to bounce before they execute that 3rd shot. Only after hitting that 3rd shot (ideally a drop) are they then free to move forward to the Kitchen.
• Best Strategy:  The Third Shot Drop—a soft shot hit immediately after the bounce, designed to land gently in the opponent’s Kitchen. Once you execute that soft third shot, then you and your partner finally rush the net! 
  

 

Shot	Who Hits It	Where it Lands	Bounce Required?	Team Position
1st Shot (Serve)	Serving Team	Opponent's Service Court	YES (1st Bounce)	Behind Baseline
2nd Shot (Return)	Receiving Team	Serving Team's Court	YES (2nd Bounce)	Transitioning Forward
3rd Shot (Drop/Drive)	Serving Team	Opponent's Court	NO (Bounce rule satisfied)	Running to the Kitchen

 

Mastering the Double Bounce Rule gives you the confidence to move aggressively when you should and exercise patience when you must. It is the fundamental key to playing winning pickleball.

Ready to start putting this strategy into practice? A control paddle with a forgiving sweet spot is the perfect tool for ensuring your second and third shots land accurately.

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~Joann Nicodemus, COO FLiK Pickleball

I write for beginners, with easy and practical explanations about rules and skills.  Pickleball can be overwhelming for those new to the game.  I hope to take away the confusion and ease the intimidation, with practical guides and tips for practicing and drilling.  

We all have to start somewhere.  I want to provide information for those just starting out - whether you come from another racquet sport or just want to be active and have fun.  Pickleball is made to be social and fun. Improving strokes and learning skills enables you to join open plays and not be intimidated.  

Take your time.  Enjoy the journey!